Specialist, Payroll

$43,160 - $84,760/Yr

Unclassified - Madison, WI

Full-time - Entry Level

Madison, WI

10,001+ employees

About the position

The Payroll Consultant role at Baker Tilly is designed to provide direct support and consulting services to payroll clients. This position requires a deep understanding of payroll practices and laws to ensure that clients receive accurate and timely payroll services. The Payroll Consultant will work under the supervision of the Payroll Supervisor and is expected to manage client relationships independently, while also being prepared to escalate issues when necessary for prompt resolution. In this role, the consultant will ensure that client payroll information is accurate within their specific payroll systems, resolving any discrepancies that may arise. Responsibilities include reviewing and processing payrolls to meet client deadlines, updating employee records, calculating and paying bonuses or severance, and reconciling payroll deposits, tax withholdings, and wage garnishments. The consultant will also prepare detailed reports of employee earnings, taxes, deductions, and employer contributions for social security and unemployment. Building strong and trusted relationships with clients is crucial, as the consultant will be expected to consult on all payroll-related matters while maintaining the confidentiality of employee data. The role also involves providing technical software support to clients, identifying out-of-scope work, and recognizing new opportunities to expand services. Additionally, the consultant will assist the implementation team by managing new client implementation projects, ensuring timely completion and client satisfaction, and training clients on payroll processes as necessary. The Payroll Consultant will also play a key role in individual and team development by serving as a resource for new hires and less experienced staff, providing constructive feedback, and sharing insights to enhance team capabilities. Keeping up-to-date with local, state, and federal payroll practices and laws, as well as maintaining product knowledge on ADP software platforms, is essential for success in this position.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support and consulting to payroll clients.
• Understand payroll practices and laws to provide better service.
• Manage client relationships independently under the supervision of the Payroll Supervisor.
• Ensure client payroll information is accurate within their specific payroll system and resolve discrepancies.
• Review and process payrolls in a timely manner to meet client deadlines.
• Update employee records, calculate and pay bonuses or severance, and reconcile payroll deposits and tax withholdings.
• Prepare reports of employee earnings, taxes, deductions, and employer contributions for social security and unemployment.
• Establish strong and trusted client relationships by consulting on payroll matters.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee data and convey information accurately in written and verbal formats.
• Provide technical software support to clients and identify out-of-scope work.
• Identify new opportunities to expand services to clients.
• Assist the implementation team and manage new client implementation projects.
• Train clients on payroll processes as necessary.
• Be a resource to new hires and less experienced staff regarding clients, software, and processes.
• Provide honest feedback to new hires and help build team capabilities by sharing insights and lessons learned.
• Research and maintain product knowledge on ADP software platforms.

Requirements

• 1-3 years of relevant payroll experience; Associates or bachelor's degree preferred.
• Experience in lieu of degree considered.
• Experience with ADP software platforms desirable.
• Working knowledge of Outlook and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Highly detail-oriented and focused on accuracy.
• Strong organization and time management skills.
• Strong adaptability and multi-tasking skills.
• Ability to effectively work in a deadline-driven environment serving multiple clients.
• Ability to provide exceptional client service.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; communicates professionally with all levels.
• Ability to learn new technology and processes quickly.
• Ability to learn from experiences and integrate new knowledge and skills into daily work.